(San Juan, Puerto Rico- December 23, 2020) The development project of the Puerto Rico Ocean Technology Complex (PROtech) in Yabucoa will be carried out by WSP USA Building, Inc./ Marvel Architects, after completing the selection process to develop this important project that will be the center of multiple eco-friendly projects and scientific research, as announced by the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, DDEC (by its Spanish acronym), Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.
"We thank the 34 companies that showed interest in being the architects of the world's largest OTEC pilot plant that will create an ecosystem that integrates research, innovation and economic development by creating industries that derive from deep water use. We selected WSP USA Building, Inc./ Marvel Architects, because the collaboration between these two companies creates a highly qualified team with international experience and the capacity to develop this cutting-edge project,” explained Laboy Rivera.
Once the company's selection notification is issued, the third phase of the project begins consisting of a pre-agreement between the selected developer and the Puerto Rico Land Authority ("PRLA") to begin negotiations for the lease of the land where the development will take place. This phase also includes feasibility studies, development of the structural design of the park and the beginning of application for the corresponding permits. This process should be completed in the second quarter of 2022. Then begins the fourth phase that includes planning the construction and OTEC systems, among other details. According to development plans the project must be in its final phase of searching for tenants and industries by 2027.
"PROtech is a key project that will give space to multiple emerging sectors based on OTEC technology, which will make Puerto Rico one of the leading deep-water research and application centers in the world. We are confident in the development and success of this project whose master plan we develop based on feasibility studies of recognized entities such as: Makai Ocean Engineering, Technical Studies, Integra and Technical Consulting Group and together with other government agencies," the DDEC secretary concluded.
